Women’s football is growing every season, and reigning Women’s Super League champions Chelsea are at the forefront of its rise. They are the most successful team in Women’s Super League history, with their dominance extending beyond the pitch.
Each year, revenue from various deals, ticket sales, and TV broadcasting rights continues to rise. Chelsea Women are among the few clubs securing independent commercial deals, separate from their men’s team.
The evolution isn’t limited to the team as a whole, individual players are also reaping the benefits. Many top-level players have secured brand endorsements, with sports manufacturers signing them to exclusive deals. Brands are capitalizing on their popularity by creating signature products, as seen with Nike’s 'United Collective of Women Athletes'. This initiative brings together six global athletes to launch a 'Nike United' pack of boots, including Chelsea’s Lauren James and Naomi Girma.
Lauren James returned to Chelsea in the summer of 2021, having previously developed in their youth academy. Since then, she has been instrumental in the club’s success. Her standout performance against China in the 2023 Women’s World Cup was among the tournament’s best. Individually, she has earned numerous accolades recognizing her talent and impact.
Meanwhile, Naomi Girma joined Chelsea during the January transfer window as the most expensive women’s footballer in history, the first female player to command a transfer fee exceeding $1 million. The 24-year-old won Olympic gold with the United States in 2024. Both players have been widely praised for their talents since their youth. With Chelsea’s track record, the sky is the limit for them.
England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 victory accelerated the growth of women’s football in the country. The United States, already a powerhouse in the sport, remains the most successful nation in women’s football. Many female footballers have become role models for young girls and boys alike, with Lauren James and Naomi Girma among them.
Chelsea, as a club, is committed to promoting their women’s players as much as their male counterparts. They run exclusive programs for the women’s team, such as the highly rated 'We Are Chelsea' podcast, where host Caz de Moraes interviews figures connected to Chelsea and women’s football.
The sport’s visibility is only set to expand. More broadcasting deals are being secured, bringing women’s football to larger audiences. DAZN holds the global broadcasting rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, streaming all matches for free on their app and website.
Additionally, selected matches are also broadcast on their YouTube channel. Meanwhile, the Women’s Super League remains accessible on its official YouTube channel in regions where TV rights haven’t been sold, ensuring fans worldwide can follow their favorite teams and players.
Ownership changes have also been implemented to elevate women’s football in England. On August 15, 2024, Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) officially took over ownership of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship from the Football Association (FA), further demonstrating the league’s ambition and the talent within it.
This summer, the next edition of the UEFA Women’s Euro will take place in Switzerland. England’s latest squad features seven Chelsea players, all expected to play key roles if fit. Among them, Lauren James will be under the spotlight as she looks to take her international career to the next level. Many Chelsea players are also expected to play key roles for their respective national teams.
It is an exciting time for women’s football, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. Chelsea will undoubtedly continue to be one of the clubs leading the charge.